Your application with supporting information must be submitted to CIADA and received by July 8th, 2024, to ensure all entries are judged fairly and thoroughly.

Our selection committee will use the recommended guidelines by the Carolinas Independent Automobile Dealers Association (CIADA) to assist in selecting CIADA's Quality Dealer of the Year.

The basic qualifications for a Quality Dealer Nominee should be:

SERVICE TO INDUSTRY - Dealers should show their commitment to the industry through dedicated service by attending and participating in industry events and being willing to serve and help others in the independent automotive dealer industry.

Candidates should meet the following criteria:

Be a member of CIADA in good standing and 18 or older.

Support their respective state association through their dedicated service.

Support CIADA through their dedicated service.

Demonstrate a willingness to help perform Association duties when asked by the various state and national association leaders.

Display a willingness to serve the Used Motor Vehicle Industry through helpful service to fellow dealers by sharing their knowledge, talent, and experience.

Willingness to commit to attending their respective annual state and national Conventions.

They will have the necessary credentials to compete at the national level since they will represent their state association in a national competition.

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OPERATOR - The dealer should be committed to offering exceptional service to customers, both during and after a sale. Dealers should always maintain the highest employee and business associate relations standards. Dealers should be highly respected and enjoy a good personal and business reputation within their local community.

Candidates should meet the following criteria:

Have a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a successful licensed independent dealer and member of CIADA for no less than three (3) years. The candidate must be the 'Dealer Principle' or listed as the President of the dealership corporation.

Have a sanction-free record with the state DMV or state licensing agency -have no outstanding or unanswered complaints with either the Better Business Bureau or the Consumer Affairs division of the state Attorney General's office.

The candidate's dealership operation should reflect pride of ownership and offer an attractive appearance of facility, grounds, and inventory.

Candidates should have an outstanding reputation for good customer relations and handling customer complaints expediently.

Operate their business following the CIADA Code of Ethics.

The candidate's dealership operation should credit the independent dealer community and the Used Motor Industry.

Candidates should furnish several customer and employee testimonial letters and business and personal letters of recommendation.

Extra thought should be given to those candidates who are NIADA "Certified Master Dealers" or a "20 Group "for professional development.

COMMUNITY SERVICE -The dealer should be involved in community affairs. It is beneficial for successful business owners to give something back to the community to develop their businesses and earn a living. From sponsoring little league teams to fostering animals. From their time on the city's planning and zoning commission to the parks board. Or maybe it is volunteering at their local community recreation center or church. No matter what it is, sharing that story could make the difference.

Candidates should meet the following criteria:

Candidates should share any past volunteer experiences/outreach in their local community.

Include specific stories of community involvement and outcomes.

EXCLUSIONS:

If a dealer/dealership has previously been awarded the CIADA Quality Dealer of the Year, that dealer/dealership shall be ineligible to receive the award a second time.